Derailed cars containing vinyl chloride, methyl methacrylate and acetone cyanohydrin ruptured and escaping contents ignited resulting in a massive fire during which a tank car of ethylene oxide exploded. The fire spread and destroyed a small factory and some houses. The local fire department called for assistance from the Indiana State Police, Wright-Patterson AFB Chemical Unit, and Ft. Benj. Harrison Army Chemical Unit. The PRR dispatched wreck trains from Indianapolis, Columbus, Richmond, and Logansport.

Evacuation of the town was ordered and lasted until 6PM on Jan. 3rd.

The PRR and PC continued to monitor and treat ground water contamination into June.

Amazingly, there were no fatalities and only 6 minor injuries reported.